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Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Reportage: Gwenne nominated for autism award

A Halifax woman has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of 37 years working in the field of autism care.

Gwenne Coltman, 54, has been nominated for a lifetime achievement award by the National Autism Society's Autism Professionals Awards.

The annual award recognises people and services who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of autism support, making a real difference to people living with the condition.

Ms Coltman works as an autism support development manager for Autism Support and Care and has worked in the field of autism on both a professional and voluntary basis.

"I'm the sort of person who just gets on with my job, so to be recognised for that has been incredibly humbling.

"It's not something that I would have expected - but there are other professionals out there who've recognised the work I've done.

"All I've tried to do is be a clear voice for autism, and it's something I've been passionate about since the age of 16."

She was nominated by Richard Ibbotson, the national director Scotland for Autism Initiatives, after 15 years together as members and consecutive Chairs of CoSPPA (Coalition of Senior Professionals Working with People with Autism).

This article was originally published by the Halifax Courier on January 31, 2013.